Summer is on the way, and with it comes the craving for light, flavorful dishes, topped with that fresh basil scent that reminds us of sun-drenched days, pasta dishes, and classic caprese salads. But here’s the thing: keeping basil alive in your kitchen or on your balcony can be a challenge. Luckily, there’s a simple yet effective grandmother’s trick that will save your day.
Why Grow Basil at Home?
Basil is the king of aromatic herbs. Whether it’s to elevate a pasta dish, make homemade pesto, or simply add a touch of green to your salad, basil is essential. So why not have it growing at your fingertips all summer long? Plus, it’s an easy plant to grow, though it does need a little attention.
According to Sierra Bright from Natural Living Ideas, “the best way to ensure that a plant grows to its maximum potential is to give it (what) it needs.” This is especially true when it comes to growing the healthiest basil.
The Glass of Water Trick: A Magical Solution!
No, you’re not dreaming! You can multiply your basil with a simple glass of water. This method, called hydroponics (or soil-less cultivation), is perfect if you have little space or if you’re not a gardening pro. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Choose the Right Stem: Start by picking a healthy, vibrant basil stem. Cut a 10 cm (about 4 inches) long piece. Remove the lower leaves (you don’t want them touching the water).
- Place the Cutting in Water: Put the stem in a glass of water, making sure the leaves are not submerged. This is crucial because submerged leaves may rot.
- Change the Water Regularly: Don’t let the water become stagnant! Change it every two days to promote root growth and prevent mold or mildew.
- Wait for Roots: After about 1-2 weeks, you’ll see roots about 5 cm (2 inches) long. That’s your cue to transplant the cutting into a pot with moist soil.
And there you have it, a new basil plant that will grow rapidly, ready to be used in all your summer recipes.
Extra Tips for Keeping Your Basil Healthy
As you may have noticed, basil can be a bit fussy. To help it thrive, you need to create the right environment. Here are some tips to keep your basil happy:
- Perfect Location: Basil loves warmth, sunshine, and temperatures between 20°C and 25°C (68°F – 77°F). If it’s too cold, your basil won’t thrive. A sunny spot near a window is perfect!
- Watering: Basil doesn’t like to be overwatered. Be sure to water it lightly but regularly, especially when the top layer of soil is dry. And avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal diseases.
- Good Drainage: Make sure the pot where you transplant your basil has proper drainage. This will allow water to escape and prevent root rot.
- Light Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your basil with natural fertilizer every two weeks to encourage lush, healthy leaves.
- Pinch the Tips: If you want your basil to grow bushier instead of just a long stem, pinch off the tips of the stems. This will encourage the plant to branch out and become fuller.
Basil is truly an ingredient that adds zest to all your dishes. Also, it’s super versatile and since it’s so easy to grow, you’ll always have fresh basil on hand to elevate all your summer meals.
